A number of local ice cream shops made it onto the Massachusetts Ice Cream Trail, an initiative launched Thursday by Gov. Maura T. Healey, celebrating the history of ice cream making in the Bay State and encouraging residents and visitors to explore more than 100 ice cream destinations.
The trail, which was developed by the Massachusetts Dairy Promotion Board, Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources and Massachusetts Office of Travel & Tourism includes, locally, Long Hill Orchard and The Big Scoop in West Newbury; Smolak Farms and Boston Hill Farm in North Andover’ and Hodgie’s Ice Cream in Amesbury, Newburyport and Salisbury.
“Massachusetts has a vibrant agricultural sector that thrives thanks to the hardworking farmers who diligently support our communities. This new tourism trail is designed to invite residents and visitors to experience our creative dessert offerings at traditional parlors, innovative shops and local farm stands,” Healey said. Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll used the opportunity to call attention to dairy farms as “the backbone of the Massachusetts Ice Cream Trail.”
“They provide the essential ingredients for our delicious ice cream and contribute significantly to our state’s economy and rural character. With this new attraction, we’re making Massachusetts a top destination for ice cream enthusiasts and celebrating our rich agricultural heritage,” Driscoll explained.
The trail was kicked off at Richardson’s Ice Cream in Middleton.
The Massachusetts Ice Cream Trail map is intended to residents and visitors embark on a self-guided tour of the state’s ice cream destinations and learn about dairy farmers who raise the cows that produce the fresh milk and cream used to create ice cream treats. Dairy farming has been a part of Massachusetts agriculture ever since European settlers brought cows to the Plymouth Colony in 1624. Today, Massachusetts is home to 95 dairy farms that contribute more than $61 million to the state economy annually.
A copy of the Massachusetts Ice Cream Trail guide is available online at visitma.com/ice-cream-trail.